Detroit Stars

Founded in 1919, the Detroit Stars were charter members of the Negro National League a year later. Managed in their first years by Hall of Famer Pete Hill and later by all-star catcher Bruce Petway, they were a good team for the most of the '20s, but never won a pennant - Mack Park was a haven for home run hitters, but troublesome for hurlers. In 1931 the NNL collapsed; the Stars returned to league play when the NNL reformed a few years later and then played one year in the Negro American League in 1937 before calling it quits. Their greatest players were outfielder Turkey Stearnes and pitcher Andy Cooper, both members of the Hall of Fame.

In 1954, entrepreneur Ted Rasberry entered a team into the declining Negro American League with the same name, though like most of the Negro League teams of that time, it mostly barnstormed. It was promoted as the Harlem Stars during the 1962 season, and disbanded shortly after the NAL expired.

Related Sites

• BR Franchise page for the first Detroit Stars
• BR Franchise page for the second Detroit Stars